Electrical cabinet having a door stop

ABSTRACT

An electrical cabinet stores, or houses, a variety electrical components. The electrical components within the cabinet may be interconnected and may be connected to other electrical components external to the cabinet. The cabinet has an access door with a door stop that allows the door to be locked in an open position. The cabinet contains a workstation with a pivoting platform that supports an electrical component. The cabinet has an extendable bracket that extends allows an electrical component to be extended from the cabinet and removed by lifting the component in an upward direction. The cabinet has a board guide module that aligns a circuit board with an electrical connector in the cabinet. The cabinet has a bulkhead connector that reduces electromagnetic degradation in electrical cables that extend from the cabinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to electrical cabinets adapted to store,or house, electrical components, and, more particularly to electricalcomponents used in data storage and transfer systems.

As is known in the art, electrical cabinets are used to store, or house,a variety electrical components such as printed circuit boards,batteries, cables, data servers, laptop computers, and other processingunits. The electrical cabinets allow the components within the cabinetto be interconnected and also allow the internal components to beconnected to components external to the cabinets. The cabinets typicallyhave an access door and a number of compartments to store the variouscomponents. A remote workstation or laptop computer may be provided atthe cabinet to assist with on-site repair or other functions. Inaddition, the individual components within the cabinet may be replacedor removed to a different location for repair.

The access door of the cabinet may house the workstation, or an operatormay need to work within the cabinet. In either case, the access door maybe unstable because it is not fixed in a locked position. Thus, the doormay swing and interfere with work within the cabinet. In addition, theunsecured door may cause difficulty in operating a laptop computer orother devices provided at the workstation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a cabinet is adapted for storage ofelectrical components. The cabinet has a door located on the exterior ofthe cabinet. A hinge secures the door to a doorjamb of the cabinet. Thecabinet also has a brace. When the door is in an open position, one endof the brace attaches to the doorjamb and another end attaches to thedoor. The brace secures the door in a fixed position when both ends ofthe brace are attached. At least on end of the brace is detachable toallow the door to rotate about the hinge.

One preferred embodiment of the invention includes several features. Thedoor of the cabinet defines a horizontal recess sized to contain thebrace. One end of the brace attaches within the recess, and the bracerotates about the attached end. The brace has a range of positionsextending from a stored position to a locked position. When in thestored position, the brace is within the recess and rests on a flexiblesupport member that holds the brace in the recess. When in the lockedposition, the brace extends between the door and the doorjamb.

The doorjamb includes a hook mounted to a corner of the doorjamb. Thehook secures the brace in the locked position. The hook has a notch thatcurves away from the brace when the brace is in the locked position. Thedoor also includes a workstation mounted to the door.

Each embodiment of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing advantages. The door is fixed in an open position. The doorstop stabilizes the workstation. The brace of the door is secured withinthe door during storage. The brace does not tend to detach when securedbetween the door and the doorjamb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views from a rear and front perspective,respectively, of an electrical cabinet according to the invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a storage compartment of the electricalcabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B, such storage cabinet having an array ofguide slots adapted to receive printed circuit boards according to theprior art;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a storage compartment of the electricalcabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B, such storage cabinet having an array ofguide slots adapted to receive printed circuit boards according to theinvention;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of a storage compartment of theelectrical cabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B, such storage cabinet having aprinted circuit board partially extended into a guide slot according tothe invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a module according to the invention, suchmodule having a plurality of guide slots for receiving printed circuitboards, such module being adapted for mounting to a side of the storagecompartment of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the guide module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the guide module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the guide module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of the cabinet of FIGS. 1A and1B showing a plurality of guide modules according to the inventionmounted to a side of the cabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a portion of the cabinet of FIGS. 1A and1B showing a battery adapted to power electrical components housed insuch cabinet, such battery being mounted to the cabinet with a batterymounting bracket according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of the battery andmounting bracket of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the battery and the brackets of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an extendable arm of the bracket of FIG.9;

FIG. 12 is a isometric view of a support of the bracket FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of the battery andcabinet of FIG. 8 before the battery is disposed between a pair of thebrackets of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a laptop computer extended from a doorof the electrical cabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the laptop being disposedon a pivoting platform of the cabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 15A and 15B is an isometric view, partially broken away, of thelaptop computer and pivoting platform of FIG. 14 shown partiallyextended/retracted;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of the laptopcomputer and pivoting platform of FIG. 14 shown retracted against theelectrical cabinet door;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of a door for anelectrical cabinet of FIGS. 1A and 1B shown locked in an open position;

FIG. 18 is a schematic sketch of a brace depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of the brace ofFIG. 18 stored in the door of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20A is a isometric view of a hook shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20B is a top view of the hook of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 20C is a side view of the hook of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 20D is an end view of the hook of FIG. 20a;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are isometric views of a frame of the electricalcabinet of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a bulkhead connector for use within theframe of FIG. 21a;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a bulkhead connector for use within theframe of FIG. 21a;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1a-1b, an electrical cabinet 10 is adapted for thestorage and operation of electrical components 82, particularly, datastorage and transfer technology. For example, electrical components 82include CPUs, printed circuit boards, batteries, cables, data servers,and laptop computers. Typically, the electrical components 82 areinterconnected within the cabinet, are interconnected with othercomponents in other electrical cabinets, or are interconnected withother networks. The electrical components 82 reside within variousstorage compartments 84 within the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 hasinternal partitions 86 that define the storage compartments 84.

The electrical cabinet 10, has four side-walls 88a-88d. At least one ofthe side-walls 88 forms an access door 200. The door 200 rotates about ahinge 202 from an open position to a closed position. The cabinet 10stands upright on four wheels 90a-90d and is mobile. The cabinet 10includes a printed circuit board module 30, extendable brackets 104, apivoting platform 204, a doorstop mechanism 300, and a bulkheadconnector 510. The cabinet 10 also has two workstations 92 that allow anoperator to perform diagnostic, repair, or other activities at thelocation of the cabinet 10.

Printed Circuit Board Module

Referring also to FIGS. 2a-2c, the cabinet 10 is adapted for storage ofelectrical components 82. The components 82 may be electricallyinterconnected to a plurality of printed circuit boards 12 (PCBS) thatare housed in storage compartment 84. The storage compartment 84includes an array of slots 14a-14p to secure the PCBs 12. Each one ofthe PCBs 12 has a female connector 21 oriented toward the back 18 of thecabinet 10. The cabinet 10 also contains a series of male connectors 20along the back 18 of the cabinet 10. The male connectors 18 align withthe female connectors 21 when the PCBs 12 are inserted into the array ofslots 14a-14p.

In operation, the bottom edge 24 of one PCB 12 resides in one of theslots 14, e.g., slot 14a. The top edge 26 of the PCB 12 resides in acomplimentary slot 14, e.g., 14b. The PCB slides from the front 22 ofthe cabinet 10, along the slots 14a-14b, and toward the back 18 of thecabinet 10. When fully inserted, the female connector on the PCB 12aligns with and engages the male connector 20.

However, e.g. showing FIG. 2a, the inventors have discovered thatexisting slots 14, e.g., slots 14i-14f of FIG. 2a, allow the PCB to bemisaligned when it is fully inserted. For example, the slots 14 arelaterally aligned such that a space 28a exists between slot 14i and slot14k and a space 28b exists between slot 14j and slot 14l. If the PCB 12is inserted between two slots 14 in the spaces 28a and 28b, theconnector 20 will not align with the connector 21 on the back of the PCB12. In addition, if either a top edge 26 or a bottom edge 24 of the PCB12 is inserted into one of the slots 14 while the opposite edge 24, 26is inserted into one of the spaces, the PCB 12 and the connector 20 ofthe cabinet 10 will not align. If the PCB 12 is out of alignment, theconnectors 21 on the PCB 12 or connectors 20 in the cabinet 10 may bendwhen the PCB 12 is fully inserted.

However, referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, a board module 30 has an arrayof slots 14 and an array of stop members 42 disposed between the slots14. The board module 30 is integrally formed of a single piece ofmaterial. For example, the board module 30 can be injection molded froma suitable plastic. The board module 30 may be constructed of aconductive material such as nylon to facilitate electrostatic dischargeprotection.

The slots 14, here four slots 14 being shown, are parallel to each otherand are oriented in a longitudinal direction 35. The slots 14 arelaterally spaced. The slots 14 are equidistant, e.g., each slot has alateral spacing 32 of 0.8" when measured from the center of each slot14. Each slot 14 has two opposed and continuous sidewalls 34a-b that are0.188 inches in height. The slots 14 have a continuous base 36 extendingbetween the sidewalls 34. The width of the slots 14 between the opposingsides 34a-34b, i.e., the width of the base 36, is approximately equal tothe width of a PCB 12. For example, the width is 0.120". The slots 14are open along the top 38 of the board module 30 and the slots have openends 40a-40b. The slots extend 4.033" from end 40a to end 40b.

The ends of the slots 14 are flared, i.e., the internal width of eachslot 14 at ends 40a-40b are wider than the width of the slot 14 at apoint between the ends 40a-40b. The openings 40 of the slots 14 are0.243" and the width of the slot 14 is narrowed along constant slopes 46to a minimum width of 0.120". Similarly, the base 36 is flared. The base36 extends from a point at each end 40a, 40b. The thickness of the base36 increases to a depth of 0.047". The thickness increases along aconstant slope 48 that extends 0.102" into to slot 14.

The board module 30 has a plurality of stop members 42a-42f extending ina lateral direction 43. Each stop member is disposed betweencorresponding pairs of adjacent slots 14 and is connected to theadjacent slots 14. For example, stop member 42a is disposed between slot14a and slot 14c. The stop members are 0.273" when measured in thelongitudinal direction. The stop members 42 lie at 90° angles to theslots 14, and the stop members 42 are flush with the ends 40a, 40b ofthe slots 14. Therefore, when viewed from above the board module 30, thestop members 42 and the ends 40 of the slots 14 form a continuousstraight line along both ends 44 of the board module 30. Because theopenings 40 of the slots 14 are flared, the outer edge 50 of the stopmembers 42 is shorter than the inner edge 52.

The board module 30 also has four end members 54. The end members 54extend laterally from the outer sides 56 of the board module 30 and arealigned with the stop members 42. The end members 54 are stop member.However, the length of the end members 54 in the lateral direction isone-half the length of the stop members 42. Therefore, when two boardmodules 30 are positioned side by side, the adjacent end members 54 havethe same length as a single stop member 42.

Referring also to FIGS. 5-6, a set of eight securing pins 58 extenddownward 0.14" from the bottom 60 of the board module 30. Each pin 58consists of two parallel flexible members 62 that are spaced 0.05"apart. A barb 64 is located at the end of each flexible member 62. Eachbarb 64 has a radius of 0.07".

The structure of the board module 30 is symmetrical. The board module 30is symmetrical about the bisecting axis 35 that defines the longitudinaldirection, and the board module 30 is symmetrical about the bisectingaxis 43 that defines the lateral direction. In addition, the boardmodule 30 has the same relative structure when rotated 180° in thehorizontal plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral axes. In otherwords, the board module 30 has the same appearance regardless of whichend 44 faces the front 22 of the cabinet 10.

In operation, the board module 30 resides in the electrical cabinet 10.The pins 58 extend into corresponding holes (not shown) located in thecabinet 10. The barbs 64 engage the holes and pinch the flexible members62 together. When fully inserted, the flexible members 62 expand and thebarbs 64 oppose motion of the board module 30 away from the cabinet.

Referring also to FIG. 7, a series of board modules 30 reside in a rowwithin the cabinet 10. The end members 54 of one board module 30 areadjacent to the end members 54 of the next board module 30 in theseries. Therefore, each pair of slots 14 in the array has the samelateral spacing 32. The stop member 42 and the end members 54 obstructall the spaces 28 between the slots 14. Therefore, when a PCB 12 resideswithin the cabinet 10, it cannot slide into any of the spaces 28. Inaddition, the length of the board module 30, when measured in thelongitudinal direction 35, is smaller than the length of a typical PCB12. Therefore, the PCB 12 cannot fall between the spaces 28 bounded bythe stop members 42 and any two adjacent slots 14.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. The dimensionsprovided are for example only and correspond to a board module thataccommodates a 3/32" thick PCB. Other dimensions are possible toaccommodate a 3/32" PCB or other PCBs. In addition, the number of slotsmay range from one to any suitable number. Board modules havingdifferent numbers of slots can be combined in operation. The spacing ofthe slots may vary. The stop members can extend between the slots atpoints between the ends of the slots. The stop members can extendtransversely at angles other than 90° to the slots. Only one stop membercan be disposed in a corresponding space between slots, or more than twostop members can be placed within a corresponding space between slots.The end members can have varied lengths. For example, one end member maybe one third the distance between slots while the adjacent end membermay be two thirds the distance between the slots. The board module canbe formed of several disassociated pieces rather than one integralpiece. Other configurations of connectors may be used. For example, thePCB 12 may contain the male connector 18, or the connectors may includean array of pins rather than a single pin.

Extendable Battery Bracket

Referring to FIG. 8., the electrical cabinet 10 has a storagecompartment 100 adapted for the storage of a battery 102. The battery102 provides power to the electrical components. Typically, the battery102 is a backup power source.

Referring also to FIGS. 9-10, a pair of brackets 104a-104b supports thebattery 102 within the storage compartment 100. The brackets 104a-104bare elongated and extendable. The brackets 104a-104b are effectively themirror image of each other. Each bracket 104 has a set of three pins 105that mount the brackets 104 to opposing sides 110 of the storagecompartment 100. Each bracket 104 is at the same height relative to thebottom 112 of the cabinet 10, and the brackets 104 are parallel to oneanother. The brackets 104 support the battery 102, which is disposedbetween the brackets 104.

The brackets 104 are extendable through a range of positions from aretracted position within the cabinet 10 to a an extended position thatis external to the cabinet 10. Therefore, each bracket 104 has astationary section 106 and an extendable arm 108. The stationary section106 mounts to the side 110 of the storage compartment 100. Theextendable arm 108 attaches to stationary section 106 but the extendablearm 108 moves relative to the stationary section 106 in the direction ofelongation 118. Typically, the pair of brackets 104 extendshorizontally.

To facilitate extension and retraction, the extendable arm 108 has twocurved edges 114 that extend parallel to each other in the elongatedirection 118. The edges 114 wrap around the width 116 of the stationarysection 106 and oppose motion of the members 106, 108 relative to oneanother in directions other than the elongate direction 118. Thus, theextendable arm 108 can slide over the stationary section 106 in theelongate direction 118. In addition, rollers or bearings (not shown) canbe disposed between the outer surfaces of the extendable and stationarysections 106, 108 to reduce the friction as the extendable arm 106slides relative to stationary section 108.

The extendable arm 108 includes two distinct sections: a slidable member120 and a mounting member 122. The slidable member 120 attaches to andslides over the stationary section 106 as described above. Referringalso to FIG. 11, the mounting member 122 is a separate piece thatattaches to the slidable member 116 along a series of holes 124, 126.For example, four screws extend through holes 126 in the mounting member122 and into holes 124 in the slidable member 120. The mounting member122 is an elongated "L" shape member. The mounting member is 14" inlength, 0.38" in width, and 1.27" in height.

The mounting member 122 has an upper surface 130 that includes amounting surface 132 and a stop 134. The mounting surface 132 is a notchthat extends upward from the upper surface 130. The mounting surface 132has the shape of a trapezoid. The stop 134 is a post that extends upwardfrom the upper surface 130. In the depicted embodiment, the post 134 isa screw 136 with a flared head 138. The screw 134 is threaded into ahole 140 in the mounting member 122.

The battery 104 has a pair of supports 142 that extend from opposingsides 144 of the battery 102. The supports 142 are an elongated "L"shaped members having a vertical section 146 and a horizontal section148. The supports 142 are 10.17" in length. The horizontal section is0.50" wide, and the vertical section 146 is 0.61" high. A set of threescrews 150 mount each support 142 to the battery 102 along the verticalsection 146. Each screw 150 extends through a hole 152 (shown in FIG.11) and into a corresponding hole (not shown) in the side 144 of thebattery 102.

The horizontal section 148 of each support 142 includes a lower surface154, a securing surface 156, and a stop notch 158. The securing surface156 forms a rectangular opening 160 that extends through the horizontalsection 148. The opening 160 measures 0.18" by 0.87". The stop notch 158is an indentation 162 in an end 168 of the support 142. The indentationis rounded and is approximately 0.188" in diameter. The stop notch 158is located rearward of the opening 160. The securing surface also has alip 161 that extends along the horizontal section 148 on the sideopposite the vertical section 146. The lip 161 extends downward 0.18" ata right angle to the horizontal section 148.

A horizontal distance 164 between the openings 160 of the supports 142is the same horizontal distance 164 between the mounting surfaces 132.Therefore, when the battery 102 is disposed between the brackets 104,the mounting surfaces 132 align with the corresponding securing surfaces156. The lower surfaces 154 of the supports 142 rest on top of the uppersurfaces 130 of the brackets 104, and the trapezoidal mounting surfaces132 extend through the openings 160. When the mounting surface 132 mateswith the securing surface 156, the surfaces 132, 156 oppose each otherin the horizontal plane 119. Thus, the battery 102 does not sliderelative to the extendable arm in the horizontal plane 119.

In addition, the distance between the stop 134 and the mounting surface132 of each extendable arm 108 is approximately the same distancebetween the opening 160 and the stop notch 158 of each support 142.Therefore, when the battery 102 is disposed between the brackets 104,each stop 134 resides within the corresponding indentation 162 formed bystop notch 158.

Referring to FIG. 12, the support 142' is reversible, i.e., a support142' can be mounted on either side of battery 102. Thus, two supports142' having the same structure can secure the battery 102 between thebrackets 104. The support 142' is symmetrical and includes two securingsurfaces 156 and two stop notches 158 that reside at opposite ends 168of the support 142. The center 166 of the openings 160 are 2.00" fromeach end 168 of securing surface 156. In addition, the support 142' hasfour holes 152a-152d that accommodate screws 150. The first hole 152a is0.75" from the end 168 of the support 142. The second, third, and fourthholes 152b-152d respectively are 4.000", 4.670", and 8.670" away fromthe first hole 152a. The holes 152 are 0.25" from the top edge 170 ofthe horizontal section 148.

Referring to FIGS. 8-13, in operation, the battery 102 is disposed onbetween the brackets 104. The brackets 104 retract into the storagecompartment 100 or extend from the storage compartment 100. In theextended position, the battery 102 is external to the storagecompartment 100. In the retraced position, the battery 102 is within thestorage compartment 100, and the access door (not shown) encloses thestorage compartment 100. The battery 102 is adapted to automaticallyelectrically interconnect with other components within the electricalcabinet. When the battery 102 is in the extended position, as shown inFIG. 10, the battery 102 is electrically decoupled from the cabinet. Aconnector 173 on the battery 102 disengages from a connector 171 in thecabinet 10. When the battery 102 is in the retracted position, thebattery 102 is electrically coupled to the cabinet. The connector 173engages with the connector 171 in the cabinet 10.

Handles 172 are integrally formed in the sides 144 of the battery 102.The handles 172 allow an operator to lift the battery 102 from thebrackets 104 or place the battery 102 between the brackets 104. When theoperator places the battery 102 on the brackets 104, the battery 102descends with the stop notches 158 pointing slightly downward. Stopnotches 158 initially engage stops 134. Therefore, the mounting surfaces132 and the securing surfaces 156 are automatically aligned. The slopedshape of the trapezoidal mounting surface 132 ensures that the securingsurface 156 and the mounting surface 132 mate when the battery 102 movesdownward between the brackets 104.

The operator removes the battery 102 by opening the door, extending thebrackets 104 from the storage compartment 100, and lifting upwards onthe handles 172. No further manipulation of the cabinet 10 is necessary.However, the operator can further secure the battery if desired byrotating the stop screw 136 until the stop notch 158 is securely fixedbetween the head 138 of the stop screw 136 and the upper surface 130 ofthe extendable arm 108.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. In theembodiments depicted, the slidable member 120 and the stationary section106 are included in a bracket that is available as off-the-shelftechnology. The mounting member 122 is attached at a time aftermanufacture. However, the slidable member 120 and the mounting member122 can be attached during manufacture of the bracket 104 and theextendable arm 108 can be integrally formed from a single piece.

All measurements above are examples of an embodiment of the invention.Variations of the measurements will result in alternate embodiments ofthe invention. The extendable arm 108 can be attached to the stationarysection 106 by a variety of interim members including additionalextendable arms, bearings, rollers, alternate configurations of themembers, or other mechanisms. The brackets can extend in planes otherthan the horizontal plane, and the horizontal direction requires only ahorizonal component. The supports can be mounted in an alternatefashion, e.g., the supports can form a tray or platform between thebrackets. The mounting member can also be reversible. The brackets canpartially extend the battery from the storage compartment when in theextended position or partially retract the battery into the storagecompartment when in the retracted position. The brackets can supportother electrical components, e.g., data storage devices, CPUs, or laptopcomputers.

Extendable Platform

Referring to FIG. 14, the electrical cabinet 10 includes a door 200.Hinge 202 attaches the door 200 to the cabinet 10. The door 200 rotatesabout the hinge 202 in the horizontal plane 119 (shown in FIG. 8) froman open position to a closed position.

The door 202 includes a recess 248, an air vent 250, and a pivotingplatform 204 that supports an electrical component 228, e.g., a laptopcomputer. The recess 248 is a rectangular depression located on aninside 252 of the door 200. The air vent 250 is above the recess 248.

Referring also to FIGS. 15a, 15b, and 16, the platform 204 includes aflat rectangular tray 206, a hinge mechanism 208, a set of brackets210a-210d, and a support mechanism 212. The hinge mechanism 208 is onthe door 200 between the air vent 250 and the recess 248. The hingemechanism 208 attaches the tray 206 to the door 200 at the two backcorners 214, 216 of the platform 204. Thus, the platform 204 attaches tothe door 200 along a back edge 218 of the platform 204. The hinges 208are level and are at approximately waist height of an average person.The hinge mechanism 208 is an "adjustable cable-supporting hingeassembly," which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,769. U.S. Pat. No.5,572,769 is incorporated herein for reference.

The tray 206 has an upper surface 226 with an area that is roughlyequivalent to the area of the laptop computer 228. Typically, the areaof the platform 204 will be slightly larger than the area of the laptopcomputer 228. The laptop computer 228 rests upon the upper surface 226of the tray 206. The set of four brackets 210a-210d secures the laptop228 to the tray 206. The brackets 210 attach to the corners 220a-220d ofthe laptop 228. The brackets 210a-210d have inner surfaces 222a-222dthat form right angles and that conform to the corners 220a-220d of thelaptop 228. The two front brackets 210a-210b are "L" shaped bracketsthat abut the front corners 220a-220b of the laptop 228 at a front edge224 of the tray 206.

The two back brackets 210c-210d each include a bolt 230 that connectstwo members: a mounting member 232 and an angled securing member 234.The mounting members 232 attach to the corners 214 of the tray 206. Themounting members 232 extend perpendicular to the tray 206 and at a 45°angle to the back edge 218 of the tray 206. The bolts 230 attach theangled securing member 234 to the mounting members 232.

The four brackets 220a-220d act as a vice to secure the laptop 228 tothe tray 206. An operator rotates the bolt 230. The bolt 230 drives theangled inner surfaces 222 of the brackets 210c-210d against the backcorners 220c-220d of the laptop 228. In turn, the angled inner surfaces222 press the laptop 228 against the front brackets 210a-210b.

The support mechanism 212, in combination with the hinge mechanism 208,supports the tray 206 in an extended position (shown in FIG. 1). Thesupport mechanism 212 includes a slotted mount 236, a connector 238, anda brace 240. The slotted mount 236 is an elongated member that has twoperpendicular sections: the attachment section 242 and the slottedsection 244. The attachment section 242 attaches to the door 100 at oneor more attachment points 246. The attachment points 246 are, e.g.,screws, bolts, or spot welds. The slotted mount 236 attaches within therecess 248 in a vertical position.

The slotted section 244 of slotted mount 236 is perpendicular to thedoor 100. The slotted section 244 has a cane-shaped slot 254. A straightslot section 256 extends vertically; a curved slot section 258, whichconnects to the upper end 260 of the straight slot section 256, forms a180° bend away from the door 200. (The two sections 256, 258 have theappearance of a cane.) The brace 249 is a rod that is curved at bothends 262, 264. The first end 262 hooks through the connector 238 on abottom surface 266 of the tray 206. For example, the connector 238 is aneye-hook that attaches to the center of the bottom surface 266. Thebrace 240 can rotate about the first end 262. The second end 264 hooksthrough the cane-shaped slot 254.

The tray 206 extends between an extended position (shown in FIG. 14) anda retracted position (shown in FIG. 16). In the extended position, thetray 206 is horizontal. The brace 240 extends from the center of thebottom surface 266 to the curved section 258 of the slot 254. The brace240 is approximately 45° relative to the tray 206. The second end 264 ofthe brace 240 rests within the curved section 258 upon a terminal end268 of the cane-shaped slot 254. The slotted mount 236 provides a normalforce that supports the tray 206 in the extended position. The brace 240transfers the normal force from the slotted mount 236 to the tray 206.

In the retracted position, the tray 206 is vertical. The bottom surface266 of the tray 206 rests against two rubber stops 270 located on eitherside of the recess 248. The tray 206 overlaps the sides 272 of therecess 248. Therefore, the tray 206 and the laptop 288 are external tothe recess 248. However, the brace 240 is within the recess 248, and theend 264 of the brace 240 resides within the straight section 256. Inaddition, in an alternate embodiment, the length of the brace 240 canextend to the bottom end of the straight section 256. If the brace 240rests upon the terminal end of the straight section 256, both the brace240 and the hinge mechanism 208 will support the weight of the tray 206and laptop computer 228. If the brace 240 does not rest at the bottomend of the straight section 256, hinge mechanism 208 will support theweight of the tray 206 and laptop computer 228.

In operation, the tray 206 pivots about the hinge mechanism 208 betweenthe extended and retracted positions. The operator opens the cabinetdoor 100, and pulls the front edge 224 of the tray 206 upward to aposition above horizontal. The brace 240 will reach the crest 274 of thecane-shaped slot 254 and prevent further upward rotation of the tray206. As the tray 206 is pulled upward, the end 264 of the brace 240 willdrop over the crest 274 and toward the short end 268 of the slot 254.The operator then lowers the front edge 224 of the tray 206, and thebrace 240 engages terminal end 268 to lock the tray 206 in an extendedposition.

To lower the tray 206, the operator pulls the front edge 224 above thehorizontal position to detach the brace 240 from the terminal end 268.The operator pushes the brace 240 toward the straight section 256 of theslot 254, and lowers the tray 206 to the vertical position. Because thetray 206 lowers to the vertical position for storage, as opposed torising to the vertical position for storage, the platform 204 does notobstruct the air vent 250 that is above the platform 204.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. The tray andthe electrical component can be partially or fully reside within therecess when the tray is in the vertical position. The tray 206 can belocated in other parts of the cabinet. The platform 204 can include aframe or other support mechanism other than a tray 206. The electricalcomponent 228 can be stored in other than the vertical position. Theelectrical component 228 can be extended to a position other than thehorizontal position. The slotted mount 236 can have configurations otherthan a cane shaped slot 254 such as a series of slots extending from thestraight section 256 to provide an array of locked positions. Adifferent hinge mechanism may be used.

Door Stop

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the door 200 also includes a door stop 300that secures the door 200 in the open position, e.g., to allow anoperator to work within the cabinet 10 or to stabilize a platform 204that supports a laptop computer 228. The door stop 300 includes a brace302, a brace recess 304, and a brace hook 306. The recess 304 is arectangular space defined by the door 200. The hook 306 attaches to thedoorjamb 308. One end 310 of the brace 302 attaches to the door 200within the recess 304. The second end 312 of the brace 302 attaches tothe hook 306. When the brace 302 is attached from the door 200 to thedoorjamb 308, the door 200 remains in a fixed position relative to thecabinet 10.

Referring to FIG. 18, the brace 304 is a rod that has two hooked ends310, 312 and a straight section 314. The rod is, e.g., low carbon coldfinished steel with an electrodeposited zinc coating. The brace 302 hasthe appearance of the letter "C". The ends 310, 312 are squared inappearance and the brace turns 180° through five flat sections 316a-316ethat form four right angles 318a-318d. One end 310 forms a hook having acenter section 316b that is 0.82" in length and an end section 316a thatis 0.63" in length. The other end 312 forms a hook having a centersection 316d that is 0.94" in length and an end section 316e that is1.14" in length. The brace 302 is 0.25" in diameter and 9.75" in length.

Referring to FIG. 19, the recess 304 extends horizontally along the topedge 320 of the door 200. The door 200 has two layers of metal, aninside layer 322a and an outside layer 322b, that are separated by aspace 328. The recess 320 is formed by an opening 324 cut into theinside layer 322a. The outside layer 322b forms the bottom 326 of therecess 304.

An elongated bracket 330 is mounted to the bottom 326 of the recess 304by, e.g., a screw or a spot weld. The bracket 330 supports the brace302; the brace 302 mounts to the bracket 330 and hangs on the bracket330 during storage when the door 200 is closed. The bracket 330 containsthree perpendicular sections 332a-332c that form a stepped pattern. Thefirst section 332a mounts to the bottom 326 of the recess 304. Thesecond section 332b extends perpendicular to the bottom 326 and parallelto the top edge 320. The third section 332c extends parallel to thebottom 326 and upward from the second section 332b.

A support member 334 extends from one end 336 of the bracket 330. Thesupport member 334 extends perpendicular to the third section 332c andaway from the bottom 326 of the recess 304. The support member 334 is aledge that supports the brace 302 during storage. In addition, thesupport member 334 is flexible and pinches the brace 302 to furthersecure the brace 302 during storage.

A connector 338, e.g. an eye-hook, attaches one end 310 of the brace 302to the third section 332c of the stepped bracket 330. The brace 302attaches to the end 340 of the bracket 330 that is opposite the flag 334and that is nearest the hinge 202. The brace 302 rotates about theattached end 310 of the bracket 302. The recess 304 contains the brace302 when the brace 302 is in a stored position (shown in FIG. 19). Inother words, the recess 304 is larger than 9.75" in length and 0.94" inwidth. In addition, the depth between the third surface 332c and theopening 324 of the recess is greater than 0.25" to accommodate thethickness of the brace 302. The brace 302 rotates to a position withinthe recess 304 and hangs on the flag 334 during storage. The oppositeend 312 of the brace 302 extends beyond the end 336 of the steppedbracket 330 to allow an operator to grasp the brace 302 and pull it fromthe recess 304.

The hook 306 attaches to the top edge 342 of the doorjamb 308. Referringalso to FIGS. 20a-20d, the hook has three integrally formed sections: ahook section 344, a plate section 346, and a bracket section 348. Theplate section 346 and the bracket section 348 intersect to form a rightangle 350. The hook 306 mounts to a corner surface 352 of the doorjamb308 along the right angle 350. A screw secures the hook 306 to thecorner surface 352 through hole 358. A lip 360 extends parallel to theplate section on the opposite side 362 of the bracket section 348. Thelip 360 supports the hook along an internal side 364 of the doorjamb308. Thus, the lip 360 opposes forces which tend to pull the hook 306away from the doorjamb 308.

The hook section 344 extends at a right angle 354 from the plate section346 away from the doorjamb 308. The hook section 344 defines a notch356. The opening 366 of the notch 356 is 0.27" in width. The notch 356curves from the opening 366 toward the plate section 346. The notch 356faces away from the hinge 202 where the door 200 intersects with thedoorjamb 308.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, the hook 306 rotates from the storedposition in the recess 304 to the locked position with the brace 302extended between the door 200 and the doorjamb 308. The end 312 of thebrace 302 moves through the opening 366 of the notch 356. The notch 356is curved toward the doorjamb 308, and the opening 366 is only slightlylarger (0.02") than the diameter of the brace 102. Therefore, motion ofthe door 200 will tend to push the end 312 of the brace 302 toward thedoorjamb 308 or pull the end 312 toward the door 200. The end 312 of thebrace 302 will not tend to exit the opening 366 of the notch 356 becausethe curve of the notch 356 guides the brace 302 away from the opening.In addition, when in the locked position, the brace 302 is approximately60° relative to the doorjamb 308. Therefore, when the door 200 exertsforce on the brace 302, the force component perpendicular to thedoorjamb 308 will be larger than the force component parallel to thedoorjamb 308. Thus, the force tending to push the brace 302 through thenotch opening 366 will be relatively smaller than the force tending topush the brace 302 toward the back of the notch 356.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. For example,each end 310, 312 could form a semi-circular curve or an "L" shapehaving a single 90° angle. The brace 240 used in the pivoting platform204 could have the same structure as brace 302. The brace 302 could bestraight without curved ends. The recess could be disposed within thedoorjamb 108 or other locations on the cabinet 10. The hook 306 could bedisposed on the door 200 or at other locations on the cabinet 10. Thehook could be a hole in surface of the cabinet 10. The door can rotatethough a non-horizontal plane.

Bulkhead Connector

Referring to FIGS. 11a-11b, the components 82 of the cabinet 10 areadapted for electrical interconnection to electrical components that areexternal of the cabinet 10. To accommodate the interconnection,referring also to FIGS. 21a-21b, a frame 10' of the cabinet 10 providessupport for the sidewalls and other structures of the cabinet 10. Withinthe frame 10', a pair of panels 500, 502 form a passage 504 in thebottom wall of the cabinet 10. For example, the panels 500, 502 areperpendicular but do not intersect. Rather, the passage 504 lies betweenthe panels 500, 502. The panel 500 is one of the sidewalls 88 of thecabinet 10 and the panel 502 is the bottom wall of the cabinet 10.

Typically, the cabinet 10 includes a bulkhead 506 that extends acrossthe passage 504. The bulkhead 506 is a solid surface that eliminatesmost of the space of passage 504. However, the bulkhead 506 is smallerthan the passage 504. Therefore, an end-passage 508 remains when thebulkhead 506 extends across the passage 504 between the panels 500, 502.The end-passage 508 allows cables, which can be connected to externalcomponents, to exit the cabinet 10. For example, the bulkhead isdisposed across the passage 504 at the back 18 of the cabinet 10adjacent to the electrical connectors 20 that engage the PCBs 12 (shownin FIG. 2). The electrical connectors 20 couple to cables that mayextend through the end-passage 508.

The inventors have discovered that running a plurality of cables 524 (asshown in FIG. 1) through the end-passage 508 can result inelectromagnetic interference that degrades the electrical signals withinthe cables. The electromagnetic interference is greater in cables thatcarry relatively higher frequency signals.

Therefore, referring to FIG. 22, the cabinet 10 includes a bulkheadconnector 510 that allows the cables 524 to be spaced to reduce oreliminate electromagnetic interference between the cables. The bulkheadconnector 510 includes a metal base 512 and an array of connectors 514.The base 512 has an array of openings 516 arranged in a pattern ofevenly spaced columns 518 and rows 520. The size of the openings 516corresponds to the external circumference 522 of the connectors 514, andthe connectors 514 extend through the openings 516.

The electrical connectors 514 are adapted to transmit electricalsignals, especially radio frequency (RF) signals, to and from theelectrical components 82. The connectors 514 have two ends 526, 528 thatconnect two coaxial cables together. The proximal end 526 extends intothe cabinet 10, the distal end 528 extends outside the cabinet 10. Theelectrical connectors 514 are, e.g., standard connectors that connectcoaxial cable. The connectors 514 are electrically isolated from oneanother. Each connector 514 includes an outer conductor 530, adielectric 532 within the outer conductor 530, and an inner conductor534 within the dielectric 532. Typically the outer conductor 530 iselectrically coupled with the metal base 512 to provide a ground for theshielding conductor of the coaxial cable. The dielectric 532electrically isolates the inner conductor 534 from the metal base 512and the outer conductor 530. The inner conductor 534 provides aconduction path through the bulkhead connector 510.

The bulkhead connector 510 also includes markings 536 that provide areference for interconnecting components 82 through the bulkheadconnector 510. For example, when the bulkhead connector 510 connectsPCBs 12 (shown in FIG. 2) to external components, the columns 518contain markings 536 that indicate a left or right adapter connection,and the rows 520 contain markings 536 that indicate the slot number ofthe PCB 12.

The base 512 connects to the panels 500, 502 along a pair of flanges538, 540. The flanges 538, 540 are perpendicular and extend alongopposing sides of the base 512. The vertical flange 538 connects alongthe bottom panel 502. A bottom frame section 542 (shown in FIG. 21a-21b)supports the vertical flange 538. The horizontal flange 540 connectsalong the sidewall panel 500. A frame section 544 (shown in FIG.21a-21b) that extends along the lower back corner 546 of the cabinet 10supports the horizontal flange 540. Each flange 538, 540 contains a setof four holes 548 and four captive connectors 550 within the holes 542.The captive connectors 550 are, e.g., screws that are fixed within theholes 548 but that may rotate within the holes 548. The connectors 550fix the base 512 to the cabinet 10, and the base 512 is removable fromthe cabinet 10 by manually unscrewing the connectors 550.

The base 512 is smaller than the passage 504. Therefore, as with thebulkhead 506, the end-passage 508 remains as a passage for passing aplurality of cables. Generally, the end-passage 508 passes relativelylower frequency cables that are less affected by the electromagneticinterference than the relatively higher frequency cables, e.g., thecoaxial cables connected to the PCBs 12.

Thus, in operation, one of the components 82 can be efficientlyinterconnected to an external component. For example. A higher frequencycoaxial cable can extend from the component 82 to the proximal end 526of one of the connectors 514. A second coaxial cable can attach from thecorresponding distal end 528 of the connector 514 to an externalcomponent. Lower frequency cables can be connected through the bulkheadconnector 510 or through the end-passage 508.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. For example,alternate configurations of connectors are possible. Referring to FIG.23, bulkhead connector 510' groups connectors 514 into two groups550a-550b. The groups are disposed on either side of area 552.Alternately, the bulkhead connector 510' covers the entire passage 504and area 540 is an open space that accommodates lower frequency cables.

In addition, the bulkhead connector can accommodate other types ofcable, e.g., twisted pair or fiber optic cables. The bulkhead connectormay be permanently fixed to the cabinet. The bulkhead connector can beplace in other locations within the cabinet 10, including along thesidewalls of the cabinet 10. The orientation of the flanges can beparallel or some other configuration.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cabinet adapted for storage of electricalcomponents, the cabinet comprising:a door secured to a doorjamb along aside of the door by a hinge, the door being rotatable about the hinge,the doorjamb being directly adjacent to a periphery of the door when thedoor is in a closed position; and a brace having an end attached to thedoorjamb and another end attached to the door when the door is in anopen position, the brace being detachable from one of the door and thedoorjamb to allow the door to rotate, the door being in a fixed positionwhen the brace is attached to both the doorjamb and the door; whereinthe cabinet further includes a hook adapted to secure the brace in alocked position; and wherein the hook further comprises a hook section,a plate section, and a bracket section, the plate section and thebracket section intersecting to form a right angle, the hook mounted toa corner surface of the cabinet along the right angle, the hook sectionattached to the plate section and extending away from the corner surfaceof the cabinet.
 2. The cabinet of claim 1 wherein the hook furtherincludes a lip extending from the bracket section parallel to the platesection, the lip disposed about the corner surface of the cabinet andopposing motion of the plate away from the cabinet.
 3. A cabinet adaptedfor storage of electrical components, the cabinet comprising:a doorsecured to a doorjamb along a side of the door by a hinge, the doorbeing rotatable about the hinge, the doorjamb being directly adjacent tothe periphery of the door when the door is in the closed position; abrace having an end attached to the doorjamb and another end attached tothe door when the door is in the open position, at least one end of thebrace being detachable to allow the door to rotate, the door being in afixed position when both the first and second ends of the brace areattached to the doorjamb and the door respectively; and a hook adaptedto secure the brace in a locked position, the hook having a hooksection, a plate section, and a bracket section, the plate section andthe bracket section intersecting to form a right angle, the hook mountedto a corner surface of the cabinet along the right angle, the hooksection attached to the plate section and extending away from the cornersurface of the cabinet.
 4. The cabinet of claim 3 wherein the hookfurther includes a lip extending from the bracket section parallel tothe plate section, the lip disposed about the corner surface of thecabinet and opposing motion of the plate away from the cabinet.
 5. Acabinet adapted for storage of electrical components, the cabinet havinga door for accessing the components, the door being secured on one sideby one or more hinges, the door being rotatable about the hinges, thecabinet comprising;a door stop capable of securing the door in an openposition such that the door does not rotate about the hinge, the doorstop comprising a brace extending from a first end connected to thecabinet to a second end connected to the door, the position and lengthof the brace combining to secure the door at an angle relative to aclosed position of the door, at least one end of the brace beingdisconnected when the door rotates about the hinge, both the first endand the second end being connected when the door is in a secured openposition; a recess having a length longer than the brace and a widthwider than the brace, the brace being disposed within the recess whenthe door is in the closed position; and a hook adapted to secure thebrace in a locked position, the hook having a hook section, a platesection, and a bracket section, the plate section and the bracketsection intersecting to form a right angle, the hook mounted to a cornersurface of the cabinet along the right angle, the hook section attachedto the plate section and extending away from the corner surface of thecabinet.
 6. The cabinet of claim 5 wherein the hook further includes alip extending from the bracket section parallel to the plate section,the lip disposed about the corner surface of the cabinet and opposingmotion of the plate away from the cabinet.
 7. A cabinet adapted forstorage of electrical components, the cabinet having a door foraccessing the components, the door being secured on one side by one ormore hinges, the door being rotatable about the hinges, the cabinetcomprising;a door stop capable of securing the door in an open positionsuch that the door does not rotate about the hinge, the door stopcomprising a brace extending from a first end connected to the cabinetto a second end connected to the door, the position and length of thebrace combining to secure the door at an angle relative to a closedposition of the door, the brace being disconnected from one of the doorand the doorjamb when the door rotates about the hinge, both the firstend and the second end being connected when the door is in a securedopen position; and a recess having a length longer than the brace and awidth wider than the brace, the brace being disconnected from one of thedoor and the doorjamb and disposed within the recess when the door is inthe closed position; wherein the cabinet further includes a hook adaptedto secure the brace in a locked position; and wherein the hook furthercomprises a hook section, a plate section, and a bracket section, theplate section and the bracket section intersecting to form a rightangle, the hook mounted to a corner surface of the cabinet along theright angle, the hook section attached to the plate section andextending away from the corner surface of the cabinet.
 8. The cabinet ofclaim 7 wherein the hook further includes a lip extending from thebracket section parallel to the plate section, the lip disposed aboutthe corner surface of the cabinet and opposing motion of the plate awayfrom the cabinet.